Richard Lou Witcofski

On June 26, 2026, Dr. Richard Lou Witcofski passed from his earthly home with his family to his eternal home in Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Richard was the beloved husband of his wife of 71 years, Jane Whiteman Wicofski and a devoted father to his sons, Lee and John, and Lee’s wife, Debbie. He loved his family, and most importantly, he loved Jesus.

Richard was born in Peking, China in 1935 before the Communist Revolution there. He was the firstborn son of Capt. Louie K. Witcofski and Christine Vest Witcofski. His father was stationed with the U.S. Navy in China at the time of his birth. In 1936, his younger brother Robert was born and became his constant companion through their childhood as their father’s U.S. Navy career required them to move frequently across the United States. They were an inseparable pair. Richard and Robert shared a lifelong bond to the end as they died within 3 days of each other.

Richard excelled in his studies and entered Lynchburg College early and graduated with a dual degree in Physics and Mathematics. While at Lynchburg, he met fellow college student Jane Whiteman who would become his wife. In post-graduate studies, he earned a Master’s degree at Vanderbilt University and his PhD from Wake Forest University. Richard began a lifelong journey as a scientist, working first at the United States Nuclear Plant Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

In 1957, Dr. Witcofski was recruited by Bowman Gray School of Medicine to join their Radiologic Physics Program. Spanning a 40 year career there, as a Professor of Nuclear Medicine, his work and research included implementation of the first lung scans in the country, the development of renal function tests using Tc99mc as a tracer, with Dr. Witcofski being the first person to try the tracer intravenously. He directed the first MRI installation and implementation of MRI technology at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in the 1980’s. What was then breakthrough technology revolutionized patient testing. His career focus helped establish nuclear medicine as a vital diagnostic tool in modern medicine, leaving lasting impact in treatment and research.

Throughout his adult life, Dr. Witcofski embraced his Christian faith and was actively involved in church and Christian service. He contributed time and compassion to the Forsyth County Prison Ministry and for 30 years taught his Men’s Sunday School class at Calvary Baptist Church.

He always enjoyed staying busy, enjoyed serving the Lord and enjoyed many happy times fishing on the pier at Emerald Isle, N.C.

Richard was blessed with a long and meaningful life. He lived with honesty, dignity, and a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him. A special thank you to his son, John, for daily love and care for the five years of Richard’s declining health and Richard’s very last day, a true act of love. Thank you to his son, Lee, always here when needed at a moment’s notice. Lee’s visits brightened Richard’s days. A blessing to his father and his mother.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Atrium/Baptist Medical Center Ardmore Tower, Trellis/Hospice Support and Staff, and his caregiver Sylvia, for all the care and comfort given.

Dr. Witcofski is survived by his wife Jane, his sons Lee and John, daughter in-law Debbie, and his sister in-law, Louann.

In lieu of flowers, please consider any memorials to be given to the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, the Forsyth County Prison Ministries or charity of the donor’s choice.

Dr. Witcofski’s funeral service will be on July 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Calvary Baptist Church, 134 S Peace Haven Road, Winston-Salem, NC